'Doctor Who' turns 50: See pictures from the first photo shoot

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Though 2013 has been all about the 50th anniversary of “Doctor Who,” the show’s proper birthday has technically arrived. On September 20, 1963, filming began on the series, with William Hartnell as the first Doctor.

To celebrate, the BBC has released a few pictures from the show’s very first photo shoot, including one of the Doctor’s initial companion, Susan Foreman (Carole Ann Ford). There’s also a still from one of the first recorded moments of the show, giving the world a glimpse at that all-too-familiar blue police box. The celebration will come to a head on November 23, when the 50th anniversary special airs, bringing David Tennant and Billie Piper back to the show, where they will meet up with the current Doctor (Matt Smith).

Then, in the annual Christmas special, Smith will say goodbye to “Doctor Who” as his Doctor regenerates. Peter Capaldi will play the 12th Doctor, picking up where Smith leaves off.